Every once in a while, a song comes along that doesn’t just sound beautiful. It also feels like a moment of truth. Ian Ward’s brand new single, “Ocean Eyes” is exactly this kind of song. You think you are just listening to a pop song, but before you know it you are staring off into space, remembering your own version of the story he is telling.

Ward’s voice is the first thing that draws you in. You can immediately tell that this is a performer who understands how to use his voice, and who knows that sometimes the quietest moments can be the most powerful and resounding. “Theatre trained me to tell stories through other people’s words,” Ward said in a recent interview. “My original music lets me tell my own.”

And that’s exactly what “Ocean Eyes” shows – an artist stepping into his full identity. The production carries spacious synths, clean guitar lines and a rhythmic pulse that builds throughout. There’s a bit of Coldplay’s atmosphere in there, maybe a touch of early John Mayer, but it’s ultimately Ian’s storytelling that makes it feel unique.

“Ocean Eyes” is about connection. It’s about looking back at someone who once meant everything and realizing that part of them still lives somewhere inside you. But there is no bitterness, just acceptance. It’s tender, and quietly powerful. It could be a really great soundtrack to a film.

It makes perfect sense when you learn that Ward comes from a Broadway background, with credits including Jesus Christ Superstar and Working Girl. This experience has clearly shaped how he writes music with each lyric displaying a sense of character and intention. Even when the production leans modern pop, there’s an emotional storytelling thread that keeps it grounded.

As someone who’s followed Ian’s career for a while, “Ocean Eyes” shows a lot of progress. His debut EP One Shot introduced him as a powerful pop rock vocalist. This new single proves he’s also a deeply expressive songwriter.

What makes “Ocean Eyes” so moving though it that it is honest and heartfelt in the best way. Like the afterglow of a memory that you didn’t realize you miss.

About Ian Ward

Ian Ward is a Brooklyn based singer songwriter, actor and creative entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry. He made his professional theatre debut at just eight years old and has since performed on Broadway, toured internationally and has appeared on television and film, and even earned a Golden Ticket on American Idol.

As a songwriter, Ward layers pop melodies with rock and the depth of a Broadway storyteller. His debut EP One Shot introduced his powerful, soulful voice. Ian is the founder of Mutual Street Entertainment and Hitmaker Collective, a mentorship program for emerging songwriters.

Ward has collaborated with icons including Idina Menzel, Pat Benatar, Sir Tim Rice, Kristen Bell and Ryan Murphy.

“Ocean Eyes” is available now on all streaming platforms.